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    Kia Soul

    EPA MPG: 25 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Soul will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models and the Kia brand score.

    The 2013 Kia Soul has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2013 Kia Soul owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Had Freon replaced summer of 2022 when it didn't blow cold. Same thing happened in summer of 2023 but was told it needed a new a/c compressor. Haven't replaced."

    Anonymous, CA (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    "It worked intermittently. Took it to dealership at 40,000 miles. They said it was ok. Couple of months later it gave out"

    Anonymous A., CA (2013 Kia Soul Base)

    "AC stopped working - would not blow cold air. The compressor was deemed the culprit and it was replaced. Everything is working well now."

    Anonymous, BC (2013 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    "The air conditioner was no longer blowing cold air. The compressor needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous, NM (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Blower (fan) motor

    "fan quit ,car started to overheat."

    Anonymous A., KY (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Something wrong that it could catch on fire no fix available yet been notified"

    Anonymous, IA (2013 Kia Soul 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Two door handle latches broke and had to be replaced. The windshield wiper system had to be replaced. I received a Safety Recall notice in November 2023 regarding risk of engine compartment fire - I have had no further communications regarding this."

    Anonymous, FL (2013 Kia Soul Exclaim)

    "Uncomfortable ride. Very bumpy."

    Anonymous, OH (2013 Kia Soul)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Steering wheel vibration

    "Steering wheel loose, a recall was given to the 2014 but not the 2013 for the same issue."

    Anonymous, LA (2013 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "There's a rubber bushing in the power steering motor that disintegrates after some time. When it does, the steering wheel can vibrate terribly in certain situations. This is a well know problem with Kias of this generation. Mine started getting noticeably bad last summer. $10 part, You-tube videos and a few hours of pain-in-the-neck labor, it's fixed and works great."

    Anonymous, KS (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel leaks

    "Rodent chewed through fuel line. Dealership said no appointments available for 3 months"

    Anonymous, CA (2013 Kia Soul)
    Problem(s) fueling the tank

    "a significant amount of fuel sprays out of tank when near full"

    Anonymous, ME (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel injection system

    "Engine started running poorly. I had to keep feathering the throttle pedal to keep engine running to dealer. They found #3 coil pack shorted out causing overfueling in cylinder."

    Anonymous, FL (2013 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    "Code for catalytic convertor. Supposedly a recall for convertor overheating with can cause catastrophic engine failure"

    Anonymous, OH (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Warning lights

    "Open door light: stays ON while operating vehicle orn when parked. Tire essure indicator stays lit, although tire pressure is coirrect in all tires. Handbrake light remains lit although handbrake is not engaged."

    Anonymous, FL (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "Coolant leak started a few months ago but suddenly got worse a couple of weeks ago. Problem was a leaking thermostat housing gasket. Had thermostat housing gasket and thermostat replaced. No more problems."

    Anonymous, (2013 Kia Soul 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Other brakes problem

    "smell exhaust in car, but only rarely"

    Anonymous, ME (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Timing belt or chain

    "I had experienced a noise in the engine for a number of months. When I took it into my Kia dealership, because of the warranty of 10 years on the powertrain, the replacement of the timing chain was covered at no cost to me."

    Anonymous, NM (2013 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Sep 25, 2023
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V652000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1730192
    ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Feb 22, 2019
    Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V120000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 378967
    STRUCTURE
    Dec 29, 2014
    A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V822000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 95314
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